By Aderemi Bamgbose
A traditional ruler in Ondo State, Oba Festus Olumoyegun, has called on the federal and state governments to improve education standards through adequate funding and improved teachers’ welfare to facilitate national development.
Olumoyegun, the Oniju of Iju-Odo, said on Tuesday that education was the bedrock of development, noting that inadequate funding and poor welfare package for teachers were inimical to development.
He made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Iju-Odo, Okitipupa LGA of Ondo State.
The royal father spoke to NAN shortly after conferring the chieftaincy title of Otunba Afimojoye of Iju-Odo on a university teacher, Dr Dipo Akomolafe.
Akomolafe is the Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH) Chapter.
“Education is the bedrock of any developed country and this is why I am urging the federal and state governments to further improve in education.
“Adequate funding and improved welfare package for teachers will create a conducive environment for learning, for the development of the country,” he said.
Olumoyegun, who conferred the chieftaincy title, said it was in recognition of Akomolafe’s contributions to the development of education in Okitipupa and Ondo State at large.
The traditional ruler urged Akomolafe not to relent but ensure that education would be taken to a high level in the state.
“I am conferring the Otunba Afimojoye title on Akomolafe for his dedication and contributions to the development of education in this area and the state at large.
“ I urge him not to relent but put in more efforts,” Olumoyegun said.
Responding, Akomolafe thanked the traditional ruler for counting him worthy of the title.
He promised that he would continue to contribute his quota toward education development.
“Indeed, I am grateful for this honour and I thank the traditional ruler for his magnanimity.
“I promise to do my best not to disappoint the education community and the entire public,”Akomolafe said.
NAN reports that members of ASUU OAUSTECH, Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko, University of Benin, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, attended the ceremony. (NAN)